Severe Burn After Radiation...

I am 2 weeks post radiation and one part of my breast is charred and the other is peeling down to bloody raw meat (sorry)...i keep a pad on it and use aquaphor and neosporin....anyone else burn from radiation?

I'm disappointed that your radiation oncologist did not give you something when it became apparent it was going to be a problem.  I had a female radiologist oncologist and I also knew I had sensitive skin so I discussed this with her prior to radiation.  There is a cream Biafine Radiation cream available by prescription.  I put this on immediately before starting treatment.  You have to wash it off before treatment but than it can be reapplied and work overnight and washed off in the shower before heading off to treatment.  I had a pink breast for several months but never red and never became a real problem.  The doctors commented on how well my skin tolerated the radiation and again I have very fair sensitive skin so I defiinitely attribute it to the cream.  Using Aquaphor healing ointment is a good choice at this point and ice compresses may help 2 to 3x daily for 10 to 15 minutes.  I know this because I also work for a dermatologist and listen to the recommendations for his patients.  I wish doctors' would be considerate of their patient's overall well being.  You can't treat the condition without treating the patient as a whole.  Hope it heals quickly for you.  Sorry, you didn't have to go through this severe reaction.

One other comment, Neosporin is a good topical antibiotic ointment but some people are allergic to it such as myself.  If you have increased redness or weeping you may be having an allergic reaction so keep this in mind othewise as I said it is a good topical antibiotic.  If you are having an allergic reaction though, Bactroban is another alternative but you need a prescription for this.

 

On 6/24/2008 Jeema6 wrote:

I am 2 weeks post radiation and one part of my breast is charred and the other is peeling down to bloody raw meat (sorry)...i keep a pad on it and use aquaphor and neosporin....anyone else burn from radiation?

Goldenseal is a marvelous herbal healer and natural antibiotic.  You can get a salve called "The Golden Salve" by Equinox Botanicals at an herb shop or probably at a natural foods store.  A very little bit goes a long way.  I would recommend mixing a dab with the Aquaphor, or with some water-based aloe vera gel.  Make sure to take it out of the jar with a q-tip so you don't contaminate the remaining salve, and keep the opened jar refrigerated.  A 1 1/4 oz jar probably will be $10 - $12, but it is the best healer I've ever used, and that little jar should be all you need to get through this. Apply 3 - 4 x's/d, or you could alternate with the neosporin - just make sure to clean one off before applying the other. 

(Do not use the goldenseal if you have a severe allergy to ragweed.)

When showering to remove all lotions, antibiotics, etc, before going for your treatment, make sure to use lukewarm rather than hot or cold water, and let the water hit the back of your shoulders and run over your breasts rather than hitting directly on your chest.  This helps prevent further damage to burnt skin and trauma to delicate new skin.  Unless you have a soap recommended by your dr or nurses/techs, use the mildest soap you can find - fragrance free and if possible, salicilate free  (Jergen's White All-Family bath soap is excellent.)  I would also recommend using all-cotton rounds or all-cotton gauze pads rather than a wash cloth.

When cleaning your breasts between showers, use steam-distilled water (inexpensive and available in the drinks aisle at the supermarket) and the cotton rounds or gauze pads.  Again, this helps prevent infection and is much gentler on the skin than most tap water and a wash cloth.

You have my very best wishes for effective treatment and speedy healing.

Tre 

 

 

On 6/25/2008 trehouse60 wrote:

 

On 6/24/2008 Jeema6 wrote:

I am 2 weeks post radiation and one part of my breast is charred and the other is peeling down to bloody raw meat (sorry)...i keep a pad on it and use aquaphor and neosporin....anyone else burn from radiation?

Goldenseal is a marvelous herbal healer and natural antibiotic.  You can get a salve called "The Golden Salve" by Equinox Botanicals at an herb shop or probably at a natural foods store.  A very little bit goes a long way.  I would recommend mixing a dab with the Aquaphor, or with some water-based aloe vera gel.  Make sure to take it out of the jar with a q-tip so you don't contaminate the remaining salve, and keep the opened jar refrigerated.  A 1 1/4 oz jar probably will be $10 - $12, but it is the best healer I've ever used, and that little jar should be all you need to get through this. Apply 3 - 4 x's/d, or you could alternate with the neosporin - just make sure to clean one off before applying the other. 

(Do not use the goldenseal if you have a severe allergy to ragweed.)

When showering to remove all lotions, antibiotics, etc, before going for your treatment, make sure to use lukewarm rather than hot or cold water, and let the water hit the back of your shoulders and run over your breasts rather than hitting directly on your chest.  This helps prevent further damage to burnt skin and trauma to delicate new skin.  Unless you have a soap recommended by your dr or nurses/techs, use the mildest soap you can find - fragrance free and if possible, salicilate free  (Jergen's White All-Family bath soap is excellent.)  I would also recommend using all-cotton rounds or all-cotton gauze pads rather than a wash cloth.

When cleaning your breasts between showers, use steam-distilled water (inexpensive and available in the drinks aisle at the supermarket) and the cotton rounds or gauze pads.  Again, this helps prevent infection and is much gentler on the skin than most tap water and a wash cloth.

You have my very best wishes for effective treatment and speedy healing.

Tre 

 

I am currently five days out from the end of my radiation and the effects of the burn have been very painful and achy.  I've used Aquaphor on the open, weeping and peeling areas, as well as the nipple which really hurts.  The skin seems to be healing somewhat, but now the entire breast feels like I've been in a fight and someone used my breast as a punching bag - a really deep, sore ache on the inside.  Do any of you think this is normal?   I was not prepared for these after effects of the radiation. 

Lynn